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Thomasville ABC store manager reports check fraud; board approves payrolls and hears sales decline
Summary
At its Oct. 21 meeting, the Thomasville ABC Board heard that a stolen operating check and routing numbers were used in attempted purchases totaling more than $30,000; the board approved payrolls, accepted a law enforcement report, reviewed September sales (down 4.66%) and discussed two part-time hires.
The Thomasville ABC Board met Oct. 21, 2025, at the store on Randolph Street and heard that a stolen general operating check and routing numbers were used in attempts to make purchases on an online marketplace totaling more than $30,000, store General Manager Leigh Anne Lowe said.
"Someone has stolen a general operating check and has used it, and the routing numbers, in attempts to purchase things on Market Place, totaling over $30,000," Lowe said. She told the board the bank (Fidelity) flagged the transactions through positive pay and that the board's bank account was not compromised.
Board members approved the meeting agenda and the Sept. 16, 2025 minutes, and they approved payrolls for the weeks ending Sept. 27 and Oct. 11, 2025, along with ACH activity. Those procedural motions were moved and seconded and carried unanimously. The board also accepted the September law enforcement report as presented.
Lowe presented financial figures for September, saying store sales were down 4.66% while the state reported a 3.00% increase. She reported a 25-sales-day average of $18,044 per day and said a 76-day year-to-date average was $18,989 (as presented). The comparative balance sheet showed transfers from checking into the money market and a decline in net profit tied to lower sales. Lowe also noted a customer preference shift toward canned products among younger buyers; she said cans are less profitable than traditional bottled liquor.
On inventory and cash management, the board noted a small cycle-count variance (+39.52) but took no action on the question of how much to retain in checking versus the money market. Lowe introduced two new part-time employees: Tristin Gill, described as a strong performer who may want full-time hours, and Demetria Mathis, who previously worked for the High Point ABC and will work evenings.
The board scheduled its next meeting for Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, and adjourned. Motion to adjourn was moved by Don Clinard, seconded by Neal Grimes, and carried unanimously.
Votes at a glance: Agenda and Sept. 16 minutes — motion by Don Clinard, second Neal Grimes, outcome: approved (3–0). Payrolls and ACH activity — approved (3–0). Acceptance of September law enforcement report — motion by Don Clinard, second Cran Plyler, outcome: approved (3–0). Adjournment — approved (3–0).
